G21 chair Ed Coppe said board members had subjected all potential projects to a rigorous assessment process.

“We have a well-honed process which assesses projects for their potential regional benefits, their cost, feasibility and practicality. No project is taken for granted,” Mr Coppe said.

“The projects given ‘priority’ status by the G21 Board today will be actively supported at every opportunity by the G21 board and its members over the next year.

“For example, the G21 board, including the five G21 mayors, will be in Canberra during March to meet with key ministers, shadow ministers and their advisers. It will be an opportunity to explain and advocate for each of the region’s Priority Projects.

“In the past the advocacy of G21 during election years has been crucial in gaining important infrastructure and social improvements for the region. Funding of aspects of the Geelong Ring Road and the duplication of Princes Hwy West would not have eventuated if not for G21’s work, for example.”

Mr Coppe said G21 projects which didn’t make the ‘priority’ list this year could continue to be pursued by the organisation’s eight subject-specific Pillar Groups, made up of experts in their specific fields.

G21 Pillars

About G21

G21 is the formal alliance of government, business and community organisations working together to improve the lives of people within the Geelong region across five member municipalities – Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast.